Exciting plans have been submitted by leading property specialists St Francis Group for phase one of a major redevelopment of the former British Sugar factory site in Worcestershire, it was announced today.
The proposed Silverwoods development could create over 400 jobs and would see the redundant 74-acre site in Kidderminster completely transformed, providing a mix of uses including residential, employment, leisure and retail.
St Francis Group’s plans for the site, located on Stourport Road, have been described as one of the most important development opportunities in North Worcestershire for more than 25 years.
The proposals took a major step forward when an application for outline planning consent was submitted to Wyre Forest District Council. The authority has worked closely with St Francis Group to develop a masterplan to rejuvenate the neglected site and surrounding area.
British Sugar closed its Kidderminster operation in 2004 and the former sugar beet processing and production plant was acquired in 2006.
All the buildings on the site have been taken down apart from 70-meter high twin silos, which can be seen as far away as Tenbury Wells and the Lickey Hills. The silos are expected to be demolished shortly.
Jim Kelly, managing director of Warwickshire-based St Francis Group, said: “I am very pleased to announce that our proposals for Silverwoods have taken this important step forward. We are now moving closer to seeing the area finally transformed into an impressive development with a mix of new homes, employment, leisure and retail uses, which will benefit businesses and residents alike.”
He added: “We have had tremendous support from the local authorities of Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove and Redditch throughout the process, including the award of a £1.2 million grant from Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and a similar grant from Birmingham LEP, which has enabled us to make substantial progress. Silverwoods will be the focus of new innovation and investment and promises to be Worcestershire’s leading major mixed use development over the next three years.”
The grants, from the Government’s Growing Places Fund, will help spearhead progress of the first phase of the scheme by funding the majority of the Hoo Brook Link Road, which is eventually intended to connect the Stourport Road with the Worcester Road. The second and final phase of development of the Silverwoods site will be pursued when this link road is built.
Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said: “The redevelopment of the former British Sugar site in Kidderminster is a very important step in the path to economic recovery of both the town and the district. I am incredibly proud of the area and the commitment made by St Francis Group is both extremely welcome and very gratefully received. I look forward to working with St Francis to help them achieve its goals in Kidderminster.”
Infrastructure work will begin later this year once a decision on the planning application is announced. It is expected that plots for the variety of uses should come on stream towards the end of the year.
Wyre Forest Council leader Councillor John Campion said: “The former British Sugar site represents an exciting opportunity for Kidderminster. I am very pleased that we are making excellent progress on getting this site developed and the important transport issues solved. The Council is working with its partners and the developers of this site to ensure a high quality scheme can be brought forward, which will be an asset for the area.”
Charles D’Auncey, of agents Harris Lamb, said: “Silverwoods represents a proposed 74-acre mixed use scheme comprising retail, employment, leisure and residential uses, which will provide a major boost to Kidderminster and the wider Worcestershire area. It will create a vibrant and enjoyable place to live, work and relax.”
Simon Norton, of agents Colliers International, said: “The offer that Silverwoods will provide to both the business and social communities with such a blend of uses over this huge site will only be seen as a positive to both the identity of Kidderminster and its surrounding amenities. This has to be judged as a great shot in the arm for the local economy.”
Agents Colliers International and Harris Lamb are jointly appointed to market the site.
